MedWorm: Alli

A systematic review on use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for treatment of obesity

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:43:24 +0100

SummaryObesity is a major health hazard and despite lifestyle modification, many patients frequently regain any lost body weight. The use of western anti‐obesity drugs has been limited by side effects including mood changes, suicidal thoughts, and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications. The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine including Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and acupuncture provide an alternative established therapy for this medical challenge. In this systematic review, we used standard methodologies to search, review, analyse and synthesize published data on the efficacy, safety and relapse of weight regain associated with use of CHM and acupuncture. We also examined the rationale, mechanisms and potential utility of these therapies. A total of 12 e...

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XENICAL (Orlistat) Capsule [Genentech, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Feb 2, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

A systematic review and mixed treatment comparison of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of obesity

Obesity Reviews — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, modest weight reductions were seen for all pharmacological interventions. Those interventions which have now been withdrawn from use (sibutramine and rimonabant) seem to be the most effective, implying that there may be a place in clinical practice for similar drugs if side effects could be avoided. (Source: Obesity Reviews)

Orlistat: Liver failure: case report

Reactions — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:35:21 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Transradial Access for Renal Artery Intervention is Feasible and Safe

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Elective transradial renal intervention is feasible and safe. Radial–renal distance is a limitation with available guides. (Source: Vascular and Endovascular Surgery)

Prescription medicines increase risk of falls in the young

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Taking two or more medicines increased falls risk 2.5 fold in the young and middle-agedRelated items from OnMedicaDanger alert over herbal diet pillsTiotropium mist inhaler for COPD may increase risk of deathLow-level use of marijuana may not harm lung functionPeople at low CVD risk should not take statinsMHRA warns public about fake orlistat sold online (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Assessing the Learning Curve

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Experience accumulated over 44 transfemoral aortic valve implantations led to significant decreases in procedural times, radiation, and contrast volumes. Our data show increasing proficiency with evidence of plateau after the first 30 cases. More studies are needed to confirm these findings. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

Anticipated orlistat (Xenical®) 120mg stock shortage

NeLM - News — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: PSNC (Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee) Area: News According to the PSNC, Roche has announced an anticipated shortage of orlistat (Xenical®) 120mg capsules in the UK as a result of manufacturing issues, with supply being constrained for up to the next few weeks. During this period supply may be intermittent. (Source: NeLM - News)

Quantitative monitoring of mouse lung tumors by magnetic resonance imaging

Nature Protocols — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alexander Sasha Krupnick, Vanessa K Tidwell, John A Engelbach, Vamsi V Alli, Arye Nehorai, Ming You, Haris G Vikis, Andrew E Gelman, Daniel Kreisel & Joel R Garbow Primary lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world, and the lung is a common site for recurrence of extrathoracic malignancies. Small-animal (rodent) models of cancer can have a very valuable role in the development of improved therapeutic strategies. However, (Source: Nature Protocols)

BMJ reviews the most effective way to maintain weight loss in adults

NeLM - News — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News The BMJ has featured a systematic review investigating interventions for maintaining weight loss including lifestyle and behavioural interventions, web based interventions, anti-obesity medication and bariatric surgery. The review concludes that evidence from trials is often contradictory; however, current evidence indicates that these interventions are likely to be helpful: . Ongoing regular support/follow-up; . Behavioural techniques such as goal setting, relapse prevention, self monitoring of weight, as well as diet and physical activity; . Increase in physical activity levels, alongside a moderately calorie reduced diet; . A lower fat, higher protein diet; . A low energy ...

Selection of orlistat as a potential inhibitor for lipase from Candida species.

Bioinformation — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:42:02 +0100

Authors: Khedidja B, Abderrahman L Abstract Infections caused by Candida species manifest in a number of diseases, including candidemia, vulvovaginal candidiasis, endocarditis, and peritonitis. Candida species have been reported to possess lipolytic activity due to the secretion of lipolytic enzymes such as esterases, lipases and phospholipases. Extra-cellular hydrolytic enzymes seem to play an important role in Candida overgrowth. Candidiasis is commonly treated with antimycotics such as clotrimazole and nystatin. The antimycotics bind to a major component of the fungal cell membrane (ergosterol), forming pores that lead to death of the fungus. However, the secondary effects caused during such treatment have aroused a need to develop a treatment based on lipase inhibition. Nonethe...

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GlaxoSmithKline Provides Update on Divestment of non-core over-the-counter (OTC) brands

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:20:32 +0100

Issued: Tuesday 20 December 2011, London UK Agreement reached to divest brands in USA and Canada to Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. for £426m ($660m). Process continues for divesting brands outside these markets and global rights for alli In... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

MSF Marks 40th Anniversary with First International General Assembly

MSF News — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:06:00 +0100

Paris © Bruno De Cock/MSF Dr. Unni Karunakara, international president of MSF, speaks at the organization's first ever International General Assembly. Paris © Bruno De Cock/MSF Paris/Geneva, December 20, 2011—Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) concluded its first ever International General Assembly in Paris last weekend. Members of MSF gathered from all over the world to discuss the future of its medical humanitarian assistance, medical innovation, speaking out, advocacy, and logistical support. The Assembly welcomed four new associations and elected a new International Board. On the same occasion, MSF also marked its 40th anniversary in the presence of several founding members. The first International General Assembly (IGA) ...

XENICAL (Orlistat) Capsule [Genentech, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Dec 20, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

New Insights into Aromatherapy for Obesity: The Future

Journal of Pakistan Medical Students — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article has been peer reviewed. Article Submitted on: 10th December 2011 Article Accepted on: 15th December 2011 Funding Sources: None declared Correspondence to Muhammad Naeem, medical student Address: Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan Email Address: dowgrad2012@yahoo.com Editorial The Godzilla of obesity pandemic has resulted in the sudden increment of cardiometabolic disorders in nations where fast food consumption is rampant, and thus proves to be a predicament in current era of advanced medicine. In United States, 32% of adults are obese and since obesity is associated with significant health burden, it is thought that it will gulp upto 19.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) by the year 2016.[1] According to World Health Organization ...

Therapeutic and Toxicological Evaluation of Anti‐Lipogenic Agents in Cancer Cells Compared with Non‐Neoplastic Cells

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:08:29 +0100

AbstractFatty acid synthase (FASN), a multi‐enzyme complex, is involved in lipid biosynthesis. FASN is over‐expressed in different types of cancers and is being widely investigated for its role in cancer progression, diagnosis and therapy. Here, three inhibitors targeting different domains of FASN — cerulenin, triclosan and orlistat — were evaluated for their anti‐proliferative efficacy in ocular cancer, retinoblastoma (RB) cells and their toxicity (if any) in normal cells. FASN inhibitors were tested in cultured retinoblastoma Y79 cells, normal fibroblast (3T3) and Müller glial (MIOM1) cells. Cell viability was determined by MTT‐based assay, and IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) of the FASN inhibitors was calculated in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic cells. The IC50 after 4...

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Therapeutic and Toxicologic Evaluation of Anti‐Lipogenic Agents in Cancer Cells Compared with Non‐Neoplastic Cells

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a multi‐enzyme complex, is involved in lipid biosynthesis. FASN is over‐expressed in different types of cancers and is being widely investigated for its role in cancer progression, diagnosis and therapy. Here, three inhibitors targeting different domains of FASN – cerulenin, triclosan and orlistat – were evaluated for their anti‐proliferative efficacy in ocular cancer, retinoblastoma (RB) cells and their toxicity (if any) in normal cells. FASN inhibitors were tested in cultured retinoblastoma Y79 cells, normal fibroblast (3T3) and Müller glial (MIOM1) cells. Cell viability was determined by MTT‐based assay, and IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) of the FASN inhibitors was calculated in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic cells. The IC50 af...

Low HDL Predicts Differential Blood Pressure Effects from Two Weight‐Loss Approaches: A Secondary Analysis of Blood Pressure from a Randomized, Clinical Weight‐Loss Trial

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:15:47 +0100

We examined whether certain baseline patient characteristics (e.g. diet, medical history, and laboratory tests) predicted blood pressure response to two weight‐loss diet approaches that differ in macronutrient content. 146 overweight adult outpatients were randomized to either a low‐carbohydrate diet (N=72) or orlistat plus a low‐fat diet (N=74) for 48 weeks. Predictors of blood pressure reduction were evaluated using a structured approach and random effects regression models. Participants were 56% African‐American, 72% male, and 53 (±10) years‐old. Of the variables considered, low baseline HDL predicted greater reduction in blood pressure in those patients who received the low‐carbohydrate diet (p=0.03 for systolic blood pressure; p=0.03 for diastolic blood pressure; and p=0....

NPC publishes resources to support "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics"

NeLM - News — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NPC Area: News The NPC has produced thirteen sets of e-learning resources to support organisations and prescribers in making best use of the NPC's document: "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics - medicines management options for local consideration". Slide sets, notes and recorded commentaries are available for the following QIPP therapeutic topics: . Alendronate . Antibiotics - especially quinolones and cephalosporins . Low dose antipsychotics in people with dementia . Clopidogrel . Hypnotics . High dose inhaled corticosteroids in asthma . Long-acting and intermediate-acting insulin analogues . Hypoglycaemics . Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . Orlistat . Proton pump inhibitors . Self m...

TLC Bioautographic Method for Detecting Lipase Inhibitors

Phytochemical Analysis — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThe screening test was able to detect lipase inhibition by pure reference substances and by compounds present in complex matrices, such as plant extracts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Phytochemical Analysis)

Effectiveness of primary care-relevant treatments for obesity in adults: a systematic evidence review for the u.s. Preventive services task force.

Annals of Internal Medicine — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Behaviorally based treatments are safe and effective for weight loss and maintenance. Primary Funding Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. PMID: 21969342 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine)

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Behavioral Therapies Effective in Weight LossBehavioral Therapies Effective in Weight Loss

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:00:42 +0100

A review shows that behavioral therapies alone or in combination with Orlistat have a positive effect on weight loss efforts. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Europeans Looking Again at Orlistat and Liver InjuryEuropeans Looking Again at Orlistat and Liver Injury

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:43:38 +0100

The European Medicines Agency says that it has started a review of orlistat-containing medicines to determine whether the "very rare cases of hepatic injury have an impact on their benefit/risk profile and conditions of use." Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

EMA starts review of orlistat-containing medicines

NeLM - News — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: EMA Area: News The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has begun a review of orlistat-containing medicines, to determine whether the very rare cases of hepatic injury have an impact on their benefit-risk profile and conditions of use. The review will include the prescription-only medicine Xenical® (orlistat 120 mg) and the over-the-counter-medicine Alli® (orlistat 60 mg), as well as a number of medicines containing orlistat that have either already or are in the process of being authorised. The Committee is reviewing all relevant data on the risk of hepatotoxicity of orlistat-containing medicines and will issue an opinion on whether or not the marketing authorisations for these medicines should be revoked, suspended or changed. Please see link below for further...

EU regulator to review anti-obesity medicines

Reuters: Health — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:29:57 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - The European Medicines Agency said it would look into anti-obesity medicines that contain orlistat, including Roche's Xenical and GlaxoSmithKline's Alli. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Europeans looking again at orlistat and liver injury

theHeart.org — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:45:01 +0100

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Orlistat: Lichenoid drug eruption: case report

Reactions — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:55:36 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Adherence to weight loss medications; post-marketing study from HMO pharmacy data of one million individuals

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Introduction: Post-marketing data on weight-loss medications in free living population are a necessary adjunct to data from clinical trials.Materials and methods: We conducted a population-based analysis of first-time medication users based on HMO pharmacy purchasing data serving>one million adults.Results: During 5 years, usage of orlistat and sibutramine more than doubled and rates were higher during the months May–Aug. As compared to non-users (n=1,038,828), annual weight-loss drug users (n=7175) had higher women proportion, body-mass-index (BMI), bariatric surgery history, and usage of diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular medications (p (Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice)

Study of drug concentration effects on in vitro lipolysis kinetics in medium-chain triglycerides by considering oil viscosity and surface tension.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arnold Y, Imanidis G, Kuentz M Abstract Simple oil formulations are widely used in oral drug delivery and the fate of these systems is governed mainly by the dispersion and digestion process. The current work aimed to study concentration effects of six poorly water-soluble drugs on the in vitro lipolysis rate of medium-chain triglycerides. The results were compared with drug effects on oil viscosity and surface tension. First the different drugs were characterized by molecular modeling and their influence on physical oil properties was assessed. Herein capillary viscosimetry was employed as well as dynamic surface tensiometry. Subsequently, an apparent in vitro lipolysis rate was determined in biorelevant medium using an automated pH stat titrator linked to a thermo-contro...

Lightening the load? A systematic review of community pharmacy‐based weight management interventions

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe extent to which community pharmacies can increase capacity for weight management is unknown. Thus, the objective of the present paper was to evaluate the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of community pharmacy weight management interventions. This paper used a design of systematic review and narrative synthesis. Electronic databases (1999–2009) were searched, including Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Pharm‐line. Weight management studies in community pharmacies were eligible for the inclusion criteria. All languages and study designs were considered. Outcome measures included body weight or anthropometry (at baseline and at least one follow‐up time point). Data were extracted through independent, duplicate data extraction and quality assessment. As a result, 10 studies we...

Boron Contents of Some Wild-Growing Mushrooms Collected from the Vicinity of Boron Mines in Balikesir, Turkey.

Biological Trace Element Research — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sen I, Alli H, Cöl B Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the boron contents of some wild-growing mushrooms collected from the vicinity of several boron mines located in Balikesir, Turkey and compare the boron contents of some mushroom and soil samples. The locations of the mushroom samples collected were within the distance of 0-100, 100-500, and 500-1,000 m to the mines. Soil samples were taken from beneath randomly selected fungal fruit bodies. A total of 40 mushroom samples were found in the study area and 37 different species were identified. Among the 40 samples analyzed, the highest boron content was detected to be 273 mg kg(-1) in Suillus collinitus. Also, Tricholoma terreum (69.52 mg kg(-1)), Myxomphalia maura (36.52 mg kg(-1)), Otidea concinna (...

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Overexpression and characterization of a novel transgalactosylic and hydrolytic β-galactosidase from a human isolate Bifidobacterium breve B24.

New Biotechnology — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yi SH, Alli I, Park KH, Lee B Abstract After the complete gene of a β-galactosidase from human isolate Bifidobacterium breve B24 was isolated by PCR and overexpressed in E. coli, the recombinant β-galactosidase was purified to homogeneity and characterized for the glycoside transferase (GT) and glycoside hydrolase (GH) activities on lactose. One complete ORF encoding 691 amino acids (2076bp) was the structural gene, LacA (galA) of the β-gal gene. The recombinant enzyme shown by activity staining and gel-filtration chromatography was composed of a homodimer of 75kDa with a total molecular mass of 150kDa. The K(m) value for lactose (95.58mM) was 52.5-fold higher than the corresponding K(m) values for the synthetic substrate ONPG (1.82mM). This enzyme with the optimum of p...

Effects of 1‐year orlistat treatment compared to placebo on insulin resistance parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes

Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the effect of orlistat on insulin resistance and markers of inflammation. Orlistat improved lipid profile and led to faster glycaemic control and insulin resistance parameters than the control, without any serious adverse event. Orlistat also improved RBP‐4 and visfatin, effects not observed with placebo. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics)

Seven-fold rise in anti-obesity drugs spending

Telegraph Health — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:52:49 +0100

NHS spending on weight-loss drugs has risen seven-fold in less than a decade, official figures show. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Up to three quarters of GPs’ time spent seeing patients unnecessarily

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Patients need to be educated on when to seek medical attention Related items from OnMedicaPlan launched to curb 'couch potato culture'Heart risk reduction programme cost-effectiveParents unsure of HPV vaccine for daughters MHRA warns public about fake orlistat sold onlineWelsh GPs could see flood of diabetes (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Long term users of ketamine warned of serious health risks

OnMedica Latest News — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Bladder problems and neurological damage key side effectsRelated items from OnMedicaMHRA warns public about fake orlistat sold onlineMPs call for “zero” drink-drive limitFree mental health support for London doctorsLong term ecstasy users risk brain damageFall in schoolchildren smoking, drinking and drug use rates (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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Chemical Modification and Organelle-Specific Localization of Orlistat-Like Natural-Product-Based Probes.

Chemistry, an Asian Journal — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yang PY, Liu K, Zhang C, Chen GY, Shen Y, Ngai MH, Lear MJ, Yao SQ Orlistat, also known as tetrahydrolipstatin (THL), is an FDA-approved anti-obesity drug with potential anti-cancer activity. Previously, we developed a chemical proteomic approach, based on the Orlistat-like probe (1 a) for large-scale identification of unknown cellular targets of Orlistat in human hepatocytes. In this article, we report the chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of an expanded set of Orlistat-like compounds, with the intention to further dissect and manipulate potential cellular targets of Orlistat. In doing so, we carried out proteome-wide activity-based profiling and large-scale pull-down/LCMS analysis of these compounds in live HepG2 cells, and successfully identified many putative ...

Orlistat 60 mg Reduces Visceral Adipose Tissue: A 24-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial.

Obesity — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Smith SR, Stenlof KS, Greenway FL, McHutchison J, Schwartz SM, B Dev V, Berk ES, Kapikian R It is well established that abdominal obesity or upper body fat distribution is associated with increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a 24 week weight loss program with orlistat 60 mg in overweight subjects would produce a greater change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as measured by computed tomography (CT) scan, compared to placebo. The effects of orlistat 60 mg on changes in total fat mass (EchoMRI-AH and BIA), ectopic fat (CT) and glycemic variables were assessed. One-hundred thirty-one subjects were randomized into a multicenter, double-blind placebo controlled study in which 123 subjects received at least on...

Pragmatic study of orlistat 60 mg on abdominal obesity

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Pragmatic study of orlistat 60 mg on abdominal obesity European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, June 22, 2011. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2011.108 Authors: E L Thomas, A Makwana, R Newbould, A W Rao, G Gambarota, G Frost, B Delafont, R G Mishra, P M Matthews, E S Berk, S M Schwartz, J D Bell & J D Beaver (Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

Considering a New Weight-Loss Cocktail: Q&A with Kishore Gadde, MD

DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:08:50 +0100

This study was funded by Vivus, which is seeking FDA approval to market the combination therapy under the trade name Qnexa. In October 2010, the FDA asked the company for more safety data. Why, and does this study satisfy those concerns? In March, the FDA issued a warning regarding the use of topiramate during pregnancy, stating that pregnant women who take the drug are at increased risk of having babies born with cleft lip or cleft palate. Thirty-four women became pregnant while in Qnexa clinical trials, and no birth defects were reported for the babies born -- but pregnant women would not be candidates for use of this drug; there is no reason for women to use weight loss drugs while they are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. What other patients should not take this drug? Topiramate ...

Antitumor effect of orlistat, a fatty acid synthase inhibitor, is via activation of caspase-3 on human colorectal carcinoma-bearing animal.

Biomedicine and pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine and pharmacotherapie — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chuang HY, Chang YF, Hwang JJ We established a HT-29/tk-luc human colorectal carcinoma-bearing animal model for the study of the inhibition effect and mechanism of orlistat, a fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor. The results showed that orlistat caused cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, and triggered apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. The tumor inhibition effect of orlistat may also due to the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis without altering FASN activity. The tumor size of orlistat-treated mice in vivo was significantly smaller than that of the controls with 55% inhibition. The therapeutic efficacy was further confirmed with the bioluminescent imaging and nuclear molecular imaging with (131)I-FIAU/gamma scintigraphy and (11)C-acetate/microPET. We suggest that FASN is a p...

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Usage, Risk, and Benefit of Weight-Loss Drugs in Primary Care

International Journal of Biomedical Imaging — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:03:25 +0100

Conclusions. These results suggest that weight-loss drug treatment was often initiated upon patient request but was of limited clinical benefit as it was managed in a large portion of Swedish primary carecenters. (Source: International Journal of Biomedical Imaging)

Systematic review of the clinical efficacy of sibutramine and orlistat in weigth loss, quality of life and its adverse effects in obese adolescents.

Nutricion Hospitalaria — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Sibutramine and orlistat in combination with a hypocaloric diet and changes in lifestyle in obese adolescents achieve a short-term loss of weight greater than that achieved through the dietary-behavioral therapy alone. PMID: 21892560 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nutricion Hospitalaria)

Expression and characterization of an extremely thermostable β-glycosidase (mannosidase) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus DSM3638.

New Biotechnology — Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Park SH, Park KH, Oh BC, Alli I, Lee BH Genomic analysis of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus revealed the presence of an open reading frame (ORF PF0356) similar to the enzymes in glycoside hydrolase family 1. This β-glycosidase, designated PFTG (P. furiosus thermostable glycosidase), was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed enzyme was purified by heat treatment and Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The gene was composed of 1452bp encoding 483 amino acids for a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 56,326Da. The temperature and pH optima were 100°C and 5.0 in sodium citrate buffer, respectively. The substrate specificity of PFTG suggests that it possesses characteristics of both β-galactosidase and β-mannosidase activities. However, t...

Brits In Denial About Their Weight Fate

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 17 May 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Overweight Brits are in denial about their weight and continue to eat an unhealthy diet despite health warnings about obesity, according to new research by weight loss aid alli*. One in five (20%) overweight people[1] questioned in Britain said they have never tried to lose their excess weight at all. Overweight and obese people blamed their excessive weight on eating too much (54%), eating the wrong foods (49%) and snacking (46%). The survey of 8,500 overweight and obese people across Europe coincides with the launch of European Obesity Day's 'Stop Yo Yo' campaign on May 21st... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Orlistat/lopinavir/ritonavir interaction: Decreased lopinavir CSF concentration, leading to HIV-related meningo-encephalitis: case report

Reactions — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:13:45 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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BMJ Analysis: Opening up data at the European Medicines Agency

NeLM - News — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: British Medical Journal Area: News The authors of this analysis article, who are from the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Denmark, describe their efforts to get access to unpublished trial reports from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The authors discuss how selective reporting of clinical trials can have 'disastrous consequences' (highlighting rofecoxib as an example) and call for full access to full trial reports, both published and unpublished, 'to allow the true benefits and harms of treatments to be independently assessed by the scientific community'. They go on to describe what they call a three-year struggle to access clinical study reports and the corresponding protocols for 15 randomised placebo-controlled trials of the anti-obesity drugs rimonabant a...

Drug regulators accused of risking patient safety

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 10 May 2011 22:30:00 +0100

This article was amended on 11 May 2011. Originally it stated that the drug "probably caused the deaths of about 100,000 people with arthritis".This has been corrected.HealthHealthcare industryDrugsMedical researchObesityPharmaceuticals industrySarah Boseleyguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

ALLI (Orlistat) Capsule [GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare LP]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: May 10, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Optimisation and characterisation of various extraction conditions of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in olive seeds.

Natural Product Research — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study was conducted to optimise the extraction conditions of phenolic compounds to evaluate antioxidant extraction parameters and to identify the major free and bound phenolic compounds in olive seeds. The results obtained using methanol as an extraction solvent for olive seeds indicated that the optimised total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were obtained at an extraction time of 12 h, an extraction temperature of 70°C and an extraction cycle of three stages. The correlation coefficient between total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities was positive (R(2) = 0.83). The major finding is that the predominant phenolic compounds in olive seeds were present in free form. However, a small percentage of the bound phenolic compounds was found in olive seeds compared to th...

GSK says investors interested in diet pill

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:52:33 +0100

The UK-based pharmaceutical group has had significant interest from potential purchasers of Alli, the over-the-counter slimming pill it plans to sell by the end of this year (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

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Modeling the Relationship Between Drug Lipophilicity and Potential for an Interaction With Orlistat.

The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhi J PMID: 21505088 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

Group Calls on FDA to Pull Alli, Xenical

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Group Calls on FDA to Pull Alli, XenicalCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/16/2011 11:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/18/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Alli, Xenical Should Be Pulled, Group Says

eMedicineHealth.com — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Group Calls on FDA to Pull Alli, Xenical (Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

Group Calls on FDA to Pull Alli, Xenical

MedicineNet Feet and Fitness General — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Group Calls on FDA to Pull Alli, XenicalCategory: Health NewsCreated: 4/16/2011 11:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 4/18/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Feet and Fitness General)

Public Citizen Asks FDA to Ban Weight Loss Drug

MedPage Today Primary Care — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 21:35:34 +0100

WASHINGTON--Citing the drug's potential to damage the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, the watchdog group Public Citizen has ask the FDA to remove marketing approval orlistat (Xencial, Alli)--the only remaining FDA-approved weight loss drug. (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

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FDA petitioned to remove Alli, Xenical

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:24:27 +0100

WASHINGTON, April 15 (UPI) -- The over-the-counter weight-loss drug Alli and its prescription form Xenical should be removed from the U.S. market, a non-profit consumer advocacy group says. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Group Calls on FDA to Pull Alli, Xenical

WebMD Health — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:05:10 +0100

The Consumer Advocacy group Public Citizen is urging the FDA to pull two weight loss drugs, Xenical and Alli, from the market immediately saying their risk for liver, pancreas and kidney damage greatly outweigh any potential weight loss benefits. (Source: WebMD Health)

Health Highlights: April 15, 2011

The Doctors Lounge - Health News — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:02:00 +0100

FDA Approves Electricity Treatment for Brain Cancer Generic Heartburn Drug Recalled Woman Who Withheld Cancer Drugs From Son Sentenced to 8-10 Years FDA Should Ban Weight Loss Drugs Alli, Xenical: Public Citizen Workers at Japanese Nuclear Plant Advised to Store Blood Stem Cells Breast Radiation Shield Recall Most Serious Type: FDA Leukemia Drug Shortage Threatens Patients' Lives (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News)

Are FDA-approved diet drugs dangerous?

Health News: CBSNews.com — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:12:14 +0100

Dr. Jennifer Ashton discusses reports of serious health conditions after using popular diet drug Alli, prescription Xenical (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Video: Health group calls for diet drug ban

Health News: CBSNews.com — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:05:46 +0100

Erica Hill talks to Dr. Jennifer Ashton about a call for a ban on the diet drugs Alli and Xenical citing gastrointestinal side effects. (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Alli, Xenical: Time to ban weight-loss drugs?

Health News: CBSNews.com — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:15:38 +0100

Health advocates say the fat-blocking drugs should be pulled from market, citing health risks (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Weight-Loss Drugs Alli and Xenical Should Be Removed from the Market, Public Citizen Tells FDA

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:04:43 +0100

From Targeted News Service (April 14, 2011) WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Public Citizen issued the following news release: The over-the-counter weight-loss drug Alli and its prescription form Xenical should be removed from the market immediately... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

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Ban Weight Loss Drug Tied To Kidney, Liver Damage Says Consumer Group

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The weight loss drug orlistat (known as Alli and Xenical) should be banned because of increasing evidence that it causes liver damage, kidney stones and pancreatitis, says Public Citizen, a US consumer advocacy group. Public Citizen issued a petition to the US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday, calling for an immediate ban of orlistat, available in the US over the counter as Alli and on prescription as Xenical. This is the second FDA petition from the group in five years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Glaxo to Shed Its OTC Diet Drug, Alli

WSJ.com: Health — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:25:53 +0100

Four years after launching the nonprescription diet pill Alli with much fanfare and a heavy marketing budget, U.K. drug maker GlaxoSmithKline said it plans to sell the drug along with a clutch of other over-the-counter brands. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Glaxo to Sell Off Weight-Loss Drug Alli

WSJ.com: Health — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:17:53 +0100

Four years after launching the nonprescription diet pill alli with much fanfare and a heavy marketing budget, U.K. drug maker GlaxoSmithKline quietly announced that it plans to sell the drug along with a clutch of other over-the-counter brands. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Diet drug orlistat linked to kidney, pancreas injuries

theHeart.org — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:15:56 +0100

A review of patients taking the diet drug orlistat over a seven-year period points to a 2% increase in acute kidney injuries within one year of patients starting the drug. Separately, safety-watchdog... For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

Diet Drug Orlistat Linked to Kidney Injury

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:47:24 +0100

A review of patients taking the diet drug orlistat over a seven-year period points to a 2% increase in acute kidney injuries within one year of patients starting the drug. Separately, safety-watchdog Public Citizen is once again petitioning the FDA to remove the drug from the market, citing adverse-event reports. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Diet Drug Orlistat Linked to Kidney, Pancreas Injuries

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:47:24 +0100

A review of patients taking the diet drug orlistat over a seven-year period points to a 2% increase in acute kidney injuries within one year of patients starting the drug. Separately, safety-watchdog Public Citizen is once again petitioning the FDA to remove the drug from the market, citing adverse-event reports. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Weight-loss pills: Time to ban Alli and Xenical?

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:49:39 +0100

Health advocates say the fat-blocking drugs should be pulled from market, citing health risks (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

GlaxoSmithKline Confirms Alli's Safety Profile

Pharmaceutical Online News — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:40:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is committed to ensuring that consumers and physicians understand the safety profile of orlistat and alli. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Roche's Diet Drug Tied to Kidney Damage

Medscape Cardiology Headlines — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:37:50 +0100

In another blow to diet drugs, Canadian researchers are reporting a link between Roche's Xenical and an increase in kidney injuries. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Cardiology Headlines)

Roche's diet drug tied to kidney damage

Reuters: Health — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:12:30 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In another blow to diet drugs, Canadian researchers are reporting a link between Roche's Xenical and an increase in kidney injuries. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Roche's Diet Drug Tied to Kidney Damage

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:12:30 +0100

In another blow to diet drugs, Canadian researchers are reporting a link between Roche's Xenical and an increase in kidney injuries.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Drug Safety, Kidney Diseases, Weight Control (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

New weight loss pill trialled

NHS News Feed — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This large randomised controlled trial describes a study assessing the effects of a new treatment for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. It is well described and the authors raise the major limitation of their study: the fact that 31% of enrolled people had dropped out of the study by the time of the final assessment at week 56. This is a large dropout rate and it essentially means that the final analyses are based on imputed (inferred) results rather than actual results for many participants. Imputation methods are not necessarily inaccurate, but they are by definition estimates of the true end points for participants. The researchers have not given much focus to this limitation and say that they addressed it by analysing their available data in three different wa...

The effects of metformin or orlistat on obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized open-label study

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:53:39 +0100

Conclusions Both metformin and orlistat showed a similar effect on weight loss and ovulation rates. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s10815-011-9564-2Authors Sedigheh Ghandi, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, IranAbbas Aflatoonian, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranNasim Tabibnejad, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranMohammad Hossein Sojoodi Moghaddam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Journal Journal of Assisted Reproduction and GeneticsOnline ISSN 1573-7330Print ISSN 1058-0468 (Source: Journal ...

Anti-obesity drugs trial success

Nursing in Practice — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:08:00 +0100

A combined course of two treatments has double the slimming power of leading anti-obesity pill orlistat, according to research (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Research suggests double the benefits for slimmers

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100

A COMBINATION of two drugs has twice the slimming power of the leading anti-obesity pill Orlistat, trial results have shown. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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New Two Drug Combination For Obesity Compares Favourably With Currently Approved And Emerging Weight-Loss Drugs

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A new two drug combination (phentermine and topiramate) achieves more than double the weight loss of orlistat, the only drug approved for the long-term treatment of obesity, and compares favourably with drugs in clinical development reported in phase 3 trials*. The findings published Online First in The Lancet also suggest that this promising new treatment has additional metabolic benefits - improving blood pressure, lipids, glycaemia, and inflammatory markers. Obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy and increased mortality from diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other causes... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Orlistat and Acute Kidney Injury: An Analysis of 953 Patients [Research Letters]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Assessing The Treatment Effect in Metabolic Syndrome without Perceptible Diabetes (ATTEMPT): A Prospective-Randomized Study in Middle Aged Men and Women.

Current Vascular Pharmacology — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-Attaining the treatment target of LDL-C<100 mg/dl within multifactorial treatment of MetS by expert clinics, is achievable and beneficial even in patients without diabetes or known CVD. This induces a considerable e-CVD risk reduction in MetS patients. Actual CVD events were negligible, suggesting that e-CVD risk overestimates actual CVD risk in MetS, at least in patients achieving LDL-C<100 mg/dl [ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00416741]. PMID: 21476961 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology)

The 2′,4′,6′-Trihydroxyacetophenone Isolated from Myrcia multiflora Has Antiobesity and Mixed Hypolipidemic Effects with the Reduction of Lipid Intestinal Absorption

Planta Medica — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated the hypolipidemic and antiobesity effects of phloroacetophenone (2′,4′,6′-trihydroxyacetophenone, THA) isolated from Myrcia multiflora and their relationship with triglyceride (TG) intestinal absorption and pancreatic lipase activity inhibition. The hypolipidemic effect of THA was evaluated by acute (Triton WR-1339 treatment) and chronic assay (high-fat diet treatment), the antiobesity effect was evaluated by chronic assay (high-fat diet treatment), while the inhibition of enzymatic activity of pancreatic lipase was measured in the intestinal tissue of mice treated with high olive oil concentration. In the acute assay, THA caused greater total cholesterol (37 %) and triglyceride (46 %) serum level reduction than lovastatin (32 and 1 %), a HMG‐Co...

Dearth of Drugs Leaves Few Options for Obesity: FDA decisions on weight-loss drugs have dimmed prospects for new medical therapies for obesity.

Cardiology News — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

As studies documenting the toll that obesity and excess weight takes on health and mortality continue to be reported, access to multidisciplinary weight-loss programs remain poor – and the approved weight-loss drugs have dwindled to just orlistat and phentermine. (Source: Cardiology News)

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Dearth of Drugs Leaves Few Options for Obesity

Rheumatology News — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

As studies documenting the toll that obesity and excess weight have on health and mortality continue to be reported, access to multidisciplinary weight-loss programs remain poor – and the approved weight-loss drugs have dwindled to just orlistat and phentermine. (Source: Rheumatology News)

Orlistat accentuates the fat-induced fall in blood pressure in older adults.

The British Journal of Nutrition — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, orlistat potentiates the hypotensive response to oral fat in older adults, possibly as a result of faster gastric emptying of fat. The results do not support a role for fat digestion in lowering blood pressure. PMID: 21396142 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Nutrition)

Orlistat after initial dietary/behavioural treatment: changes in body weight and dietary maintenance in subjects with sleep related breathing disorders

Nutrition Journal — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and weight loss is recommended to overweight or obese patients with SRBD. However, maintenance of weight loss is difficult to achieve and strategies for weight loss maintenance is needed. Orlistat is a pharmacological agent that reduces the intestinal absorption of fat and may favour long-term weight maintenance.ObjectiveTo examine the change in body weight and dietary intake during a 1-year treatment with orlistat after an initial weight loss in obese subjects with SRBD. Furthermore, to explore the dietary determinants of weight maintenance during treatment with orlistat. Methods: Men and women with SRBD aged 32-62 years (n=63) participated in a 3-month dietary intervention to increa...

Obesity and weight management in the elderly

British Medical Bulletin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Our population is ageing, and obesity is increasing in the elderly bringing massive and rapidly changing burdens of ill health related to increased body weights and fat as well as the main drivers of poor diet and inactivity. Overweight and obesity, and a static body mass index (BMI) commonly conceal sarcopenia (gain in body fat but loss of muscle mass and functional capacity) in older people, aggravated by inactivity. A systematic computerized literature search using an iterative manipulation process of the keywords: obesity, elderly, weight loss. The following databases were accessed on 20 October 2010: Medline, Cochrane Collaboration, Ovid and Scholar Google. A large number of clinical consequences of overweight and obesity are particularly problematic for elderly individuals, including...

Dearth of Drugs Leaves Few Options for Obesity

Clinical Endocrinology News — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

As studies documenting the toll obesity and excess weight has on health and mortality continue to be reported, access to multidisciplinary weight-loss programs remain poor – and the approved weight-loss drugs have dwindled to just orlistat and phentermine. (Source: Clinical Endocrinology News)

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Metformin for weight reduction in non-diabetic patients on antipsychotic drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Psychopharmacology — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, metformin has a pronounced weight-reducing effect in antipsychotic-treated patients, especially in those with a manifest weight gain. Although direct comparisons are lacking, the observed effect on body weight compares favourably with the effect of sibutramine and orlistat, approved for weight reduction. However, metformin is not approved for use in non-diabetic patients and it is still not generally advisable to recommend metformin to counteract antipsychotic-induced weight gain. (Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology)

Orlistat, paclitaxel + carboplatin infliximab preferred by clinicians

PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:43:53 +0100

(Source: PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News)

Pharmacotherapy for Obese Adolescents

Pediatric Clinics of North America — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The pharmaceutical search to induce weight loss was precipitated by the United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 1959 formal approval of phentermine for short-term weight loss despite limited research supporting its assertions of weight loss. In addition to sympathomimetic amine products like phentermine, other medications considered in this article include herbal products, sibutramine, orlistat, metformin, and rimonabant. The use of pharmacotherapy for morbidly obese adolescents should be part of a comprehensive weight-loss program that recommends diet, exercise, and behavioral modification. Side effects and the possibility of major adverse effects should be remembered when considering use of these products. (Source: Pediatric Clinics of North America)

"The metabolic syndrome... is dead": These reports are an exaggeration

Cardiovascular Diabetology — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The debates continue over the validity of the metabolic syndrome concept. The continuous increment of the obesity pandemic is almost worldwide paralleled by rising rates of metabolic syndrome prevalence. Then, it seems obvious that these debates drove the need for further investigations as well as a deeper cooperation between relevant national and international organizations regarding the issue. Instead, part of the scientific community elected to totally "dismiss" the concept of the metabolic syndrome. Meanwhile, the best available evidence from three consecutive large meta-analyses has systematically shown that people with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. The most recent and largest of them included near one million patients (total n = 951,083). The inve...

The utility of animal models to evaluate novel anti‐obesity agents

British Journal of Pharmacology — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe global incidence of obesity continues to rise and is a major driver of morbidity and mortality through cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Animal models employed in the discovery of novel treatments for obesity range from straightforward measures of food intake in lean rodents to long term studies in animals exhibiting obesity due to the continuous access to diets high in fat. The utility of these animal models can be extended to determine, for example, that weight loss is due to fat loss and/or assess whether beneficial changes in key plasma parameters (e.g. insulin) are evident. In addition, behavioural models such as the behavioural satiety sequence can be used to confirm that a drug treatment has a selective effect on food intake. Typically, animal models have excel...

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Visualizing inhibition of fatty acid synthase through mass spectrometric analysis of mitochondria from melanoma cells.

Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:15:34 +0100

Authors: Zecchin KG, Alberici LC, Riccio MF, Eberlin MN, Vercesi AE, Graner E, Catharino RR Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the metabolic enzyme responsible for the endogenous synthesis of the saturated long-chain fatty acid palmitate. In contrast to most normal cells, FASN is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers including cutaneous melanoma, in which its levels of expression are associated with a poor prognosis and depth of invasion. Recently, we have demonstrated the mitochondrial involvement in FASN inhibition-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. Herein we compare, via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), free fatty acids (FFA) composition of mitochondria isolated from control (EtOH-treated cells) and Orlistat-treated B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells. Principal compo...

orlistat, Xenical, alli

MedicineNet Weight Management General — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: orlistat, Xenical, alliCategory: MedicationsCreated: 7/26/1999 11:02:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 12/29/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Weight Management General)

Management of obesity and overweight

Medicine — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 01:14:49 +0100

Abstract: Modern weight management incorporates optimization of health and risk factors, short-term weight loss, and long-term weight maintenance and prevention of regain. Patients in need of professional weight management can be identified by a large waist (>102 cm for men, >88 cm for women). A structured programme addressing diet and physical activity, and behavioural management, as used in the UK Counterweight Programme, is cost-effective in generating 5–10% weight loss for 30–40% of patients. The available anti-obesity drugs (orlistat, sibutramine (in some countries) and liraglutide (for obese patients with diabetes)) can double the weight loss and clinical benefits for at least 2–4 years. Bariatric surgery is effective and improves multiple health risks for extreme obesity (BMI ...

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XENICAL (Orlistat) Capsule [Genentech, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Dec 27, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

NPCi Blog: Are NICE recommendations about monitoring patients on orlistat being followed?

NeLM - News — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NPC Area: News This NPCi blog appraises the findings of a small study (n= 84) presented at the Royal College of General Practitioners' annual conference that found two thirds of adults in one GP practice on orlistat for obesity continued to be prescribed the drug beyond three months even though they had failed to achieve sufficient weight loss. (NICE specifically recommends treatment is discontinued in such patients). The blog notes that this study is limited by its small sample size and only looked at orlistat prescribing in one GP practice. However, it should prompt healthcare professionals to review orlistat prescribing within their localities, in order to ensure that it is in line with NICE guidance, particularly as this is an area which offers opportunities for mai...

Pharmacotherapy for overweight/obesity in ethnic minorities and white Caucasians: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Overall there were few studies of weight loss pharmacotherapy for comparison for this review and it was not possible to analyse data based on ethnic groupings. More ethnically tailored studies are needed to assess the most effective weight loss strategies in these most metabolically vulnerable of groups. (Source: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism)

Best Doctors 2010 Award Winners

DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:22:18 +0100

In 2010, more than 300 Duke physicians were named by their colleagues around the state as among North Carolina 's very best -- the doctors whom they would select for their own medical care or that of their families. The Duke physicians who received this recognition practice within a broad variety of specialties -- from cancer care to cardiology, OB-GYN to ophthalmology. They work closely with their fellow Duke doctors within dedicated multidisciplinary teams to provide sophisticated, compassionate, patient-centered care. In fact, the Duke physicians honored in this list represent the extraordinary training, expertise, and dedication of all of our physicians. And of that, we're very proud indeed. Below are Duke physicians recognized on the list. Anesthesiology / Card...

Both inflammatory and classical lipolytic pathways are involved in lipopolysaccharides-induced lipolysis in human adipocytes.

Innate Immunity — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to unravel the cellular mechanisms leading to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) effects in human adipocytes. Subcutaneous pre-adipocytes surgically isolated from patients were differentiated into mature adipocytes in vitro. Lipolysis was assessed by measurement of glycerol release and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by real-time PCR. Treatment with LPS for 24 h induced a dose-dependent increase in interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression. At 1 µg/ml LPS, IL-6 and IL-8 were induced to 19.5 ± 1.8-fold and 662.7 ± 91.5-fold (P < 0.01 vs basal), respectively. From 100 ng/ml to 1 µg/ml, LPS-induced lipolysis increased to a plateau of 3.1-fold above basal level (P < 0.001 vs basal). Co-treatment with inhibitors of inhibitory kappa B kinase kin...

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Comparison between orlistat plus l‐carnitine and orlistat alone on inflammation parameters in obese diabetic patients

Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractTo evaluate the effects of 1‐year treatment with orlistat plus l‐carnitine compared to orlistat alone on body weight, glycemic and lipid control, and inflammatory parameters in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Two hundred and fifty‐eight patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 8.0%] in therapy with different oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin were enrolled in this study and randomized to take orlistat 120 mg three times a day plus l‐carnitine 2 g one time a day or orlistat 120 mg three times a day. We evaluated the following parameters at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months : body weight, body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), ...

High levels of multidrug resistance in clinical isolates of Gram-negative pathogens from Nigeria

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of resistance to these drugs and to determine the mechanisms of resistance to these agents. In total, 134 non-duplicate, Gram-negative enteric isolates of 13 species from different hospitals were investigated for susceptibility to a panel of antibiotics, carriage of plasmid-mediated quinolone and β-lactam resistance genes, production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), and mutations within topoisomerase genes. The level of resistance to all antibiotics tested was extremely high, with minimum inhibitory concentrations for 90% of the organisms (MIC90 values) of ≥256μg/mL for all drugs. Of the 134 isolates, 92 had mutations within the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA or within gyrA and parC. In addition, the plasmid...

Website review: www.myalli.com/global - GSK-sponsored site about its pharmacy-only weight loss aid, alli

eyeforpharma.com | Pharma strategy for the busy executive - — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:07:25 +0100

Welcome to the first in eyeforpharma’s series of pharma website reviews.read more (Source: eyeforpharma.com | Pharma strategy for the busy executive -)

Effects of Orlistat on white adipose tissue (WAT) in the γ‐irradiated mouse model

European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology)

What's new in endocrinology from UpToDate

Clinical Cases and Images — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:16:00 +0100

35% of UpToDate topics are updated every four months. The editors select a small number of the most important updates and share them via "What's new" page. I selected the brief excerpts below from What's new in endocrinology:OsteoporosisDenosumab (Prolia)Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets a ligand known as RANKL (that binds to a receptor known as RANK) which is a key mediator of osteoclast formation, function, and survival. Denosumab was approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture (history of osteoporotic fracture, multiple risk factors for fracture) or patients who have failed or are intolerant of other available osteoporosis therapies. Denosumab inhibits the formation, function, and survival of osteo...

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Synergistic Chemosensitivity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines to Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibition, Gemcitabine, and Cisplatin

Cancer Research — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we report that TN breast cancer cells are more sensitive to these drugs compared with non-TN breast cancer cells. Moreover, combination treatments indicated that PARP inhibition by the small-molecule inhibitor PJ34 or siRNA knockdown synergized with gemcitabine and cisplatin in TN cells but not in luminal cancer cells. TN cells exhibited reduced repair of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers after PARP inhibition, suggesting that the synergistic effect of PJ34 and gemcitabine or cisplatin reflected inefficient nucleotide excision repair. Mechanistic investigations revealed that in TN cells, PJ34 reduced the levels of Np63 with a concurrent increase in p73 and its downstream target p21. Thus, the sensitivity to combination treatment seemed to be mediated by sustained DNA ...

What now for weight loss?

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 10:52:00 +0100

The country is down to one dedicated, prescription obesity medication -- the not-too-pleasant Xenical -- since Friday's announcement that Meridia will be removed from the market due to an increased risk of heart problems among people with cardiovascular... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Cdc7 Kinase Inhibitors: 5-Heteroaryl-3-Carboxamido-2-Aryl Pyrroles as Potential Antitumor Agents. 1. Lead Finding

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:46:18 +0100

Journal of Medicinal ChemistryDOI: 10.1021/jm100504d (Source: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry)

Slimming drugs cost NHS £50m

the Mail online | Health — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 06:33:13 +0100

The number of prescriptions for one of the most popular slimming drugs, Orlistat, has broken the million mark for the first time. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Tissue-specific calibration of extracellular matrix material properties by transforming growth factor-β and Runx2 in bone is required for hearing

EMBO Reports AOP — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Tissue-specific calibration of extracellular matrix material properties by transforming growth factor-β and Runx2 in bone is required for hearing EMBO Reports. doi:10.1038/embor.2010.135 Authors: Jolie L Chang, Delia S Brauer, Jacob Johnson, Carol G Chen, Omar Akil, Guive Balooch, Mary Beth Humphrey, Emily N Chin, Alexandra E Porter, Kristin Butcher, Robert O Ritchie, Richard A Schneider, Anil Lalwani, Rik Derynck, Grayson W Marshall, Sally J Marshall, Lawrence Lustig & Tamara Alliston (Source: EMBO Reports AOP)

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Weight loss maintenance.

American Family Physician — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Grief SN, Miranda RL Successful long-term weight loss maintenance can be achieved by various means. A combination of dietary and physical activity interventions, along with one or more behavioral approaches, has proven successful in some persons, as documented by the National Weight Control Registry, but is limited by adherence to a consistent weight loss regimen. Successful approaches to weight loss maintenance include consulting with a physician, nutritionist, or another support source; adhering to a stable diet with a limited variety of food; monitoring weight; eating breakfast; and exercising regularly. Long-term pharmacologic treatments for weight loss maintenance have been studied and were found to have modest success, with some weight regain typically reported. Sibutram...

ALLI (Orlistat) Capsule [GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare LP]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Sep 7, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Combination of Fenofibrate with Non-Statin Drug Regimens.

Current Pharmaceutical Design — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: For patients who cannot tolerate statins there are useful combinations of fenofibrate with other drugs affecting lipid metabolism. These combinations improve several metabolic parameters, but more trials should be carried out to reach more robust conclusions about their effects on cardiovascular events. PMID: 20819059 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design)

A False Morel, Gyromitra esculenta (Pers.) Fr. (Ascomycetes), Poisoning in Turkey - Turkoglu A, Isiloglu M, Alli H, Karakus T.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:47:06 +0100

A case of mushroom poisoning by false morel, Gyromitra esculenta (Pers.) Fr. (Ascomycetes), in Denizli, Turkey, is reported and documented. A short description of the taxon, case of poisoning, and taxonomic discussions of G. esculenta is presented.... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Etoricoxib/furosemide/orlistat: Renal failure: case report

Reactions — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:55:26 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Effect of Orlistat-Assisted Weight Loss on Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Obese Chinese Subjects with Hypertension.

Clinical and Experimental Hypertension — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Liu J, Sun N, Yang S, Ma Z, Yang J The present study aims to evaluate the effects of orlistat-assisted weight loss on endothelium-dependent vasodilation by ultrasonography in obese Chinese subjects with hypertension. Thirty obese hypertensive patients (mean age: 46.6 +/- 10.3 yr, male:12) were given 120 mg of orlistat 120 mg three times daily for 12 weeks, without a concomitant hypocaloric diet or anti-hypertensive drugs. Fifteen concurrent blood pressure, age, and gender-matched, nonobese hypertensive patients (mean age: 46.6 +/- 11.3 yr, male:6) served as the control. The height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were measured and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and the nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) of brachial artery was determined by high-resol...

Endogenously produced adiponectin protects cardiomyocytes from hypertrophy by a PPAR{gamma}-dependent autocrine mechanism

AJP: Heart and Circulatory Physiology — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:02:47 +0100

In experimental animal and cell culture models, activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in heart has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte physiology. The goal of this study was to identify the signaling pathway by which PPAR activation protects cardiomyocytes from the deleterious effects of hypertrophic stimuli. In primary cardiomyocyte cultures, we found that genetic or pharmacological activation of PPAR protected cells from cardiac hypertrophy induced by -adrenergic stimulation. Examination of gene expression in these cells revealed a surprising increase in the expression of adiponectin in cardiomyocytes and secretion of the high-molecular-weight form of the hormone into media. Using RNAi to block PPAR-induced adiponectin pro...

Inhibition of fatty acid synthase in melanoma cells activates the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Karina G Zecchin, Franco A Rossato, Helena F Raposo, Daniela R Melo, Luciane C Alberici, Helena CF Oliveira, Roger F Castilho, Ricardo D Coletta, Aníbal E Vercesi & Edgard Graner (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Cardiovascular co-medication among users of antiobesity drugs: a population-based study

Pharmacy World and Science — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:05:40 +0100

Conclusion Use of cardiovascular and antidiabetic drugs among patients using antiobesity drugs was extensive, especially among men and elderly patients. Overall, there was a high degree of polypharmacy among users of antiobesity drugs. Also, many patients dispensed antiobesity drugs in amounts that indicated use less than the recommended daily dose, and many dispensed antiobesity drugs only once. When prescribing antiobesity drugs to patients the potential benefits of antiobesity drugs should be considered in relation to the patients other chronic diseases and to the total complexity of the patients drug regimen. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11096-010-9432-7Authors Merethe Omdal Amundsen, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1065, ...

Pituitary Adenomas In Childhood, Adolescence and Young Adulthood: Presentation, Management, Endocrine and Metabolic Outcomes.

European Journal of Endocrinology — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This is one of the largest reviews of patients aged 21 or younger at diagnosis of pituitary adenoma followed up by a single service. Two-thirds have prolactinomas, all treated with DAs and three underwent surgery. Increased cardiovascular risk factors (obesity and dyslipidaemia) and infertility are important sequelae and active identification and treatment necessary. PMID: 20685833 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Endocrinology)

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Recalls and Safety Alerts: Severe Liver Injury with Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)

Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): Patient Safety News — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

The labeling for the weight loss drug orlistat will include new safety information about rare cases of severe liver injury in patients taking this drug. Orlistat is sold by prescription as Xenical in 120 mg strength and over the counter as Alli in 6... (Source: Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): Patient Safety News)

Reversible serum carcinoembriogenic antigen (CEA) elevation due to orlistat use: a case report

Clinics — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:59:07 +0100

Increased intestinal permeability is a likely cause of various pathologies, such as allergies and metabolic or even cardiovascular disturbances. Intestinal permeability is found in many severe clinical situations and in common disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. In these conditions, substances that are normally unable to cross the epithelial barrier gain access to the systemic circulation. To illustrate the potential harmfulness of leaky gut, we present an argument based on examples linked to protein or lipid glycation induced by modern food processing. Increased intestinal permeability should be largely improved by dietary addition of compounds, such as glutamine or curcumin, which both have the mechanistic potential to inhibit the inflammation and oxidative stress linked to tight...

Preventing diabetes, biological passport for athletes and more from the Lancet

Clinical Cases and Images — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:50:00 +0100

Low-dose combination therapy with rosiglitazone and metformin was highly effective in prevention of type 2 diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance, with little effect on the clinically relevant adverse events of these two drugs.Preventing type 2 diabetes with low-dose combinations: Lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing bodyweight, and use of metformin, thiazolidinediones, acarbose, and orlistat, reduce the risk of diabetes by 25—60% over 3—6 yearsThe biological passport and doping in athletics: A biological passport monitors an athlete's blood and body chemistry values over time to assess whether there has been a deviation from an established baseline, thus indirectly detecting illegal manipulation.A long look at obesity: Even with their primitive understanding of nutr...

[Comment] Preventing type 2 diabetes with low-dose combinations

LANCET — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The past decade has seen major advances in clinical trial evidence to support improved care in diabetes. One important area is prevention of type 2 diabetes. Several trials have tested single interventions for their ability to reduce the incidence of diabetes in high-risk individuals. Lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing bodyweight, and use of metformin, thiazolidinediones, acarbose, and orlistat, reduce the risk of diabetes by 25–60% over 3–6 years. Generallly, interventions aimed at reducing body fat or its adverse metabolic effects show the best evidence for slowing or stopping progression to diabetes. Indeed, the insulin secretagogue, nateglinide, had no effect in reducing diabetes risk. Despite the positive outcomes of these trials, it remains unclear whether prevention is su...

Endogenously Produced Adiponectin Protects Cardiomyocytes From Hypertrophy by a PPAR{gamma}-dependent Autocrine Mechanism.

American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Amin RH, Mathews ST, Alli A, Leff T In experimental animal and cell culture models, activation of PPARgamma in heart has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte physiology. The goal of this study was to identify the signaling pathway by which PPARgamma activation protects cardiomyocytes from the deleterious effects of hypertrophic stimuli. In primary cardiomyocyte cultures we found that genetic or pharmacologic activation of PPARgamma protected cells from cardiac hypertrophy induced by alpha-adrenergic-stimulation. Examination of gene expression in these cells revealed a surprising increase in the expression of adiponectin in cardiomyocytes and secretion of the high molecular weight form of the hormone into media. Using RNAi to block PPARgam...

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Investigation of Orlistat effects on PXR activation and CYP3A4 expression in primary human hepatocytes and human intestinal LS174T cells.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we report here that Orlistat is weak PXR activator and CYP3A4 inducer in human hepatocytes, but it has no effect on CYP3A4 in intestinal cells, implying no role of CYP3A4 induction in the interaction between Orlistat and Cyclosporin in absorption process. PMID: 20599501 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Over-the-counter weight loss with orlistat?

Evidence-Based Nursing — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:08:38 +0100

Orlistat first became available (as 120mg capsules [Xenical]) around 10 years ago as a prescription-only treatment for obesity.1 Earlier this year, orlistat 60mg capsules (alli – GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) became available for sale without a prescription to the public in the European Union. Orlistat 60mg is available in the UK as a Pharmacy (P) medicine and so can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) from pharmacies. OTC orlistat is promoted as a new weight loss aid, "boosting weight loss by 50%" when added to a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet. Here we review the place of OTC orlistat in tackling obesity. (Source: Evidence-Based Nursing)

Frequencies of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of SLCO1A2, SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1 Genes in a Finnish Population

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, non-synonymous sequence variations of SLCO1A2, SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1 occur at high frequencies in the Finnish population. (Source: Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology)

Anxious Times

DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:10:04 +0100

Even if you’ve thus far managed to avoid a personal crisis via economic downturn, domestic or foreign violence, or plain-out natural disaster, the cultural pulse of dread that dominates our times is inescapable. We’re still slogging through the aftermath of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Our landscapes -- literal, financial, and emotional -- have been shaken by earthquake and oil spill. Job losses and home foreclosures continue to ripple through the media headlines, with no clear end in sight. It seems that by the millions, Americans are facing agonizingly uncertain futures. In times of trouble, heightened anxiety is an appropriate response, one that can spark positive action. A few sleepless nights of fretting over impending layoffs may well drive someone to mo...

Office-based strategies for the management of obesity.

American Family Physician — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rao G Roughly two thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, pulmonary disease, hepatobiliary disease, cancer, and a number of psychosocial complications. Physicians often feel unprepared to handle this important problem. Practical office-based strategies include: (1) making recommendations for assisted self-management, including guidance on popular diets, (2) advising patients about commercial weight-loss programs, (3) advising patients about and prescribing medications, (4) recommending bariatric surgery, and (5) supplementing these strategies with counseling about lifestyle changes using a systematic approach. Family physicians should provide basic information about the ...

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News From the FDA

Family Practice News — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The FDA has approved revisions to the prescribing information for orlistat that add information about the rare cases of severe liver injury associated with the weight loss agent. (Source: Family Practice News)

XENICAL (Orlistat) Capsule [Hoffmann-La Roche Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jun 9, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Orlistat labels warn of rare liver injury

Reactions — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:08:52 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Rare Cases of Severe Liver Injury Linked to Orlistat

AAFP Health of the Public — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:05:00 +0100

The FDA has completed its safety review of the weight-loss medication orlistat, and the agency has approved a revised label for the prescription version of the medication -- which is marketed as Xenical -- and a new label warning for the OTC product version, which is marketed as Alli. (Source: AAFP Health of the Public)

Latest updates to the CRD databases

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:16:55 +0100

The following resources were added to the databases from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination during the last update: Added to DARE (these records are structured abstracts for published systematic reviews and meta-analyses): Biofeedback therapy in fecal incontinence and constipation Chiropractic spinal manipulation for infant colic: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials Diagnostic testing for celiac disease among patients with abdominal symptoms: a systematic review High-dose vs non-high-dose proton pump inhibitors after endoscopic treatment in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Meta-analysis of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus endoscopic mucosal resection for tumors of the gastrointestinal tract...

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Low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet and the combination of orlistat with a low-fat diet lead to comparable improvements in weight and blood lipids, but LCKD more beneficial for blood pressure

Evidence-Based Medicine — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:40:16 +0100

(Source: Evidence-Based Medicine)

Rare Cases of Liver Injury Reported with Use of Xenical, Alli

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:14:10 +0100

Source: Food and Drug Administration Related MedlinePlus Page: Weight Control (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Therapeutic Approaches to Obesity

Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:02:37 +0100

Opinion statement Obesity in the United States has become a public health crisis, with one third of the US population having a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Given the profound impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease (CVD), studies of lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions must be reappraised to better define the roles of these approaches in preventing cardiovascular events. Recent clinical trials have attempted to quell the debate over macronutrient composition versus caloric restriction in the dietary approach to weight loss. Our interpretation of these results is that caloric reduction and adherence to diets are of greater consequence than the particular dietary content for weight reduction. For cardiovascular risk factor modification,...

Diet Drug Alli Linked to Severe Liver Damage

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) The FDA has started an investigation into whether the diet drug orlistat, marketed as both Alli and Xenical, has been causing serious liver damage in some patients.Prescription-strength Xenical was approved by the FDA in 1999. Half-strength Alli was approved as the first (and to date, only) over-the-counter weight loss drug in 2007.Since 1999, there have been 32 adverse event reports linking orlistat to severe liver damage. Twenty-seven patients have been hospitalized for liver problems, and six suffered from outright liver failure. Both of the cases involving Alli took place within the United States, while the other 30 cases, involving Xenical, all took place in other countries.The FDA discussed its concerns with orlistat at an April meeting of the agency's Center for Drug E...

Frequencies of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms of SLCO1A2, SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1 Genes in a Finnish Population

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology)

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FDA: Rare Cases Of Liver Injury Reported With Use Of Xenical, Alli

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised consumers and health care professionals about potential rare occurrences of severe liver injury in patients taking the weight-loss medication orlistat, marketed as Xenical and Alli. The FDA has approved a revised label for the prescription drug Xenical. The agency is working with the manufacturer of Alli on label revisions to reflect this rare occurrence. Both Xenical and Alli are medications contain the same active ingredient, orlistat. Xenical, available only by prescription, contains 120 milligrams of orlistat... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Orlistat Label Notes Rare Cases of Severe Liver Injury with the Drug

Physician's First Watch current issue — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:21:16 +0100

(Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)

Dispatch: Warning: Weight Loss Drugs May Rarely Cause Liver Injury

Health Facts and Fears — Thu, 27 May 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The FDA announced yesterday that new warning labels about liver injury will be placed on two market leading weight loss drugs, prescription strength Xenical and the-over-the counter Alli (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

FDA warns of liver injury with GSK weight-loss drug

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Wed, 26 May 2010 23:18:46 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that consumers taking weight loss drugs Alli and Xenical may be at risk for severe liver injury. (GSK) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)